Unapologetic, captivating, a bit peculiar. Romanesco is unlike any vegetable you've ever seen. In this dish, it's combined with the classic Cacio e Pepe (cheese and pepper) to make a properly Roman pasta dish.

This is everything I ever wanted in macaroni and cheeseâ€¦and more. It is insanely saucy. Astoundingly ooey, gooey, creamy, and cheesy. A goldmine of crispy bits of house-made pancetta are buried throughout. And a crust of buttery breadcrumbs freckled with herbs makes it all crunch on top.

Inspiration for this comfort meal: Marcela Hazan’s much-touted recipe for Tomato Sauce with Butter and Onion, meatball recipe combining the secrets of more than one Italian nonna, and a craving for The Godfather.